Naming a Business Household under the Law

A business household is named under Article 88 of Decree 168/2025/ND-CP (effective from 01/7/2025, replacing Decree 01/2021/ND-CP).

1. Rules on naming a business household

Under Article 88 of Decree 168/2025/ND-CP, a business household’s name consists of two elements:

• The phrase “Hộ kinh doanh” (“Business household”);
• The proper name of the business household.

The proper name is written with letters of the Vietnamese alphabet, the letters F, J, Z, W, digits, and symbols.

2. Prohibitions in naming a business household

Under Decree 168/2025/ND-CP, a business household’s name must not:

• Use words or symbols violating the historical traditions, culture, ethics, and fine customs of the nation;
• Use trade names, trademarks, or geographical indications of other organizations or individuals that have been protected;
• Use the words “công ty” (“company”) or “doanh nghiệp” (“enterprise”) in the proper name;
• Duplicate or cause confusion with the name of an already-registered business household within the former district-level scope (now under the management area of the commune-/provincial-level business registration agency under the new decentralization).

3. Handling non-compliant names

The business registration agency refuses to issue the business household registration certificate if the registered name violates regulations and guides the business household to choose another compliant name. An operating business household with an inappropriate name must carry out name change procedures as prescribed.

Notes on application

Decree 01/2021/ND-CP expired on 01/7/2025. The rules on naming business households now apply under Decree 168/2025/ND-CP; at the same time, note the decentralization of business registration agencies under the two-tier local government model.

Common risks to note

• Naming that duplicates or causes confusion with an already-registered business household;
• Using another entity’s protected trademark;
• Applying the expired Decree 01/2021/ND-CP.

How can ANT Legal help?

ANT Legal assists in searching and reviewing business household names and preparing business household registration dossiers. For advice, please contact ANT Legal’s lawyers.

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